Japan’s government on Friday approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the next fiscal year, aimed at enhancing offensive capabilities and coastal defense with cruise missiles and drone arsenals amid rising regional tensions.

The draft budget for fiscal year 2026, which begins in April, represents a 9.4% increase over 2025 and marks the fourth year of Japan’s current five-year plan to double annual military spending to 2% of GDP. The move comes as Japan faces increasing security concerns over China’s growing influence in the region.